A three-time drink driver has been banned from the road again.

South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court heard Keith Maddock, of Gislingham Road, Finningham, near Stowmarket, was disqualified from driving for 18 months in 2012, and was also convicted of drink-driving in 2001.

After pleading guilty to his latest offence when he was more than twice the legal alcohol limit District Judge Celia Dawson banned the 52-year-old for 40 months.

Prosecutor David Bryant said two police officers were in their vehicle travelling along Stowmarket Road in Needham Market while heading towards High Street when they came to a set of temporary traffic lights.

The car in front slowed down to around 20mph, but then went through a red light although no traffic was coming the other way.

When police stopped the Nissan Primera Maddock, who had been driving, admitted he had been drinking vodka.

He told the officers he had consumed his last drink about 30 minutes earlier.

A breath test showed he had 81 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs.

The offence occurred on October 13.

The court was also informed of Maddock’s two previous convictions.

Maddock, representing himself, said on the day in question he had been helping a friend who had mental health issues.

He added: “It was a day which had gone wrong. I don’t really have some excuse, except stupidity.

“It is what it is. I was stupid.”

Maddock told the court he was a bricklayer who had been working in Cambridge, but was now unemployed as he was unable to travel there.

In addition to his driving ban Maddock was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs.

He must also pay £30 to the victims’ fund.